The thought of making a trip to Africa had been on my mind for some time. As a wildlife, nature and jungle lover the ‘Dark Continent’ remains on the top of my dream list. Seychelles seemed somewhat a consolation trip for me in many ways.
But the moment I walked out from the Mihin Lanka flight from Colombo at the Seychelles International Airport in Mahe, I knew my assessment was wrong. I had walked into the ‘Garden of Eden’, as the natives believe.

Colourful drapes: Fabric market in Victoria

The little airport with just a few planes on the tarmac reminded me of the Ratmalana airport. It was indeed a friendly welcome by the authorities of the Seychelles Tourism Board for the contingent of Sri Lankan journalists on a special media trip organised by Mihin Lanka and the Seychelles Tourism Authority. As in Singapore it was visa on arrival.

Geographically situated 480 km east of the African continent close to Kenya, in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands is blessed with pristine beaches and lush green vegetation. Whether it is to have a relaxed vacation by the beach, explore the rich marine life or learn about the heritage of the islands, the Seychelles has always proven to be an excellent tourist attraction drawing visitors from all over the world.

Mahe is a comparatively bigger island and we had to travel nearly 45 minutes via the capital Victoria to Beau Vallon, a popular bay, across the island to get to our hotel. The Beau Vallon Bay is a popular tourist attraction. Beach restaurants with seafood specialties and Sega music (authentic Creole music) mixed with Caribbean reggae are the popular attractions of the Bay.

Seychellois Creole, also known as Kreol or Seselwa, the French-based Creole language is the official language for the 89,000 population along with English and French. Seychelles was originally under the French before the British took over. But the French influence on the language is still strong, with most of the names of the islands, streets, cuisine and the native Creole language retaining a touch of French.

Traditionally, the islands have attracted a broad diversity of peoples – freed slaves, European settlers, political exiles, adventurers, traders of Arab and Persian origin as well as Chinese and Indians. Practically every nation on earth has been represented in this melting pot of cultures, each contributing its special influence to today’s vibrant yet tranquil society.

Apart from the magnificent beaches and the volcanic rocky mountains, Seychelles is a living museum of natural history and sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. It was a base for Charles Darwin to study the evolution of human kind and the flora and fauna. Coco-de-mer an endemic palm tree came under the microscope of Darwin due to its unbelievable shapes of human male and female reproductive organs.

Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where the Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century AD.

World famous Mare Anglaise

The place is so remarkably beautiful that it was once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden. This hauntingly beautiful primeval forest is home to some 6,000 coco-de-mer trees, considered to be among one of the botanical wonders of the world. The Vallée de Mai boasts six endemic palm species as well as many other indigenous trees and is also the last habitat of the endangered beautiful black parrot.

Our guide for the Praslin island tour, Christina explained the myth of how male and female Coco-de-mer trees make love at night and told us that those who see this action will never survive to see the light of day.

Côte d’Or, Anse Lazio Beach on Praslin can claim to be the perfect tropical paradise beach and is now listed among the world’s top ten beaches. Beautifully framed by granite rocks, this dream beach has soft white sands leading gently down to calm clear waters with a gentle gradient absolutely perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

The Bon Bon Plume and Le Chevalier restaurants are nearby and can provide lunch and refreshments. No meal is completed without Jak fruit. Bread fruit, mangoes, pineapple, different types of colourful ‘jumboo’ on the roadside all reminded me of a typical Sri Lankan village scene.

Seychelles doesn’t have a single production factory, but vegetable farming and animal husbandry have taken off lately. Tourism is their main source of income. Our four days – three nights trip was definitely not enough to cover the archipelago. For me it needed a one week vacation. Though the capital Victoria is not a place for night life, beach frontiers are really vibrant with small time parties and hangout joints.

As Seychelles is a free port, the top beverage brands in the world are freely available. A highlight of our trip was a tour to Takamaka Bay, where the 250-year-old La Plaine St. Andre Distillery, the makers of the famous Takamaka Rum, is located.
On the south east coast of Mahe in the district of Au cap lies La Plaine St. Andre Distillery. This century- old beautiful property has been fully restored and at its heart is La Grande Mansion, with an elegant vintage cocktail bar and modern Creole restaurant for the visitors to the island nation.

The Victoria Clock Tower, or ‘Lorloz’ as it is better known in Creole, is the most prominent feature of Seychelles’ small capital and has been the focal point for nearly 100 years. While all around massive transformations have taken place with modern buildings of concrete and glass springing up in the town centre, the clock tower has remained virtually unchanged.

Vicoria clock tower: A landmark of the capital

One of Seychelles’ most renowned monuments, Kenwyn House is a must-see for visitors exploring Victoria. An elegant example of French colonial architecture, Kenwyn House offers visitors a chance to explore a world-class selection of crafted South African diamonds and other precious gems at duty-free prices, as well as an array of gifts and souvenirs.

A visit to Mahé’s busy and colourful market is the way to get a feel for the Seychellois and their way of life. Built in 1840 and renovated in 1999, it remains the bustling heart of the capital and definitely the best place to buy fresh fruits, fish, vegetables and spices.

An attractive array of boutiques and shops selling a variety of souvenirs, clothing and local works of art further complements the lively atmosphere that is especially vibrant on Saturday mornings.

The popular La Domus, the imposing residence of the Roman Catholic priesthood in Victoria, was an outstanding architectural achievement of its time. Built in 1934 to house the Swiss missionaries ministering to the Diocese of Port Victoria, the magnificent two-storey building constructed from granite rocks even contains an aqueduct that supplies it with water from a nearby artesian well.

One of the Botanical wonders of the world: Coco-de-mer nuts

The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles. Built in 1992, the temple was named after Lord Vinayagar, the Hindu god of prosperity. The Fiennes Esplanade Artisanal Kiosks epitomise the colourful blend of cultures and traditions which characterises the ‘Seychellois’ society. The style is a marriage between traditional and modern architecture, which is reflected in the products on sale.

The shady surroundings provide a cool ambience for browsing at leisure while choosing a souvenir.Seychelles, I believe is a true paradise and the newly created air link makes two paradises connected.  For me it is simply a place for a great vacation, wine, women and song.

Mihin Lanka’s Seychelles package ranges from Rs 56,999 upwards per person with two nights /three days hotel accommodation on half board basis. Rs 6000 will be added for an additional night.

All aboard Mihin Lanka

Mihin Lanka’s inaugural flight to the Seychelles was on November 16. Currently there are two flights weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing Colombo for the Seychelles at 13.30 hrs and arriving at 16.10 hrs with the departure from Seychelles at 17.10 hrs returning to Colombo at 2300 hrs.

Seychelles and Sri Lanka have agreed to a wide-ranging commercial agreement that will give passengers boarding in Seychelles convenient access to new points in South Asia and the Far East and passengers boarding in Colombo, easy access to Air Seychelles regional network in the Indian Ocean and Africa.

(The writer was on a tour sponsored by Mihin Lanka)